Memory lapses in audio reopens debate on Biden's fitness in office

It is part of interview with special counsel probing handling of classified documents

- Chris Cameron

WASHINGTON – A 2023 audio recording of then President Joe Biden speaking haltingly and having memory lapses is the latest in a series of recent disclosures that have reopened a debate over his physical and mental fitness while in office and prompted fresh recriminations among Democrats.

The recording, released by the news outlet Axios on May 16 night, documents a four-minute portion of Mr. Biden's interview with Mr. Robert K. Hur, a special counsel who investigated his handling of classified information.

Mr. Hur had concluded in early 2024 that "no criminal charges" were warranted in the case. But in clearing the then President, Mr. Hur portrayed Mr. Biden as an "elderly man with a poor memory," based on an hours-long interview with him, inflaming concerns that Mr. Biden's fitness for office had significantly declined.

The audio clip did not reveal new exchanges between Mr. Hur and Mr. Biden.

But it gives a fuller picture of why Mr. Hur described Mr. Biden as he did, capturing the then President's whispery voice and the long pauses in his speech.

Trump administration officials have decided to release the fuller audio, according to two people familiar with the matter, speaking on the condition of anonymity to describe the decision, which has yet to be announced.